9 tips to avoid holiday safety hazards

Christmas Light Safety

1. Make sure the holiday lights are meant for outdoor use.  Lights made for outdoor use are designed to withstand cold and wet conditions. The tag near the plug will specify whether lights are made for indoor or outdoor use.
2. Make sure all cords and lights are intact. Frayed cords and cracked light bulbs are more likely to cause a fire.
3. Never leave lights on overnight. Be sure to turn off the lights before retiring for the night.

Christmas Tree Safety

4.  If using a real tree, water often. A tree that dries out causes a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that one of every 31 reported home fires in the holidays is caused by a Christmas tree fire and results in death.
5. Keep the tree away from heat.  Trees, unlike humans and animals, don’t need to be kept warm during the winter months. This only dries the tree out and increases the risk of fire. Keep it away from the fireplace, space heaters, even living room lamps.
6. Use lights specifically created for indoor use. Although indoor and outdoor lights can look similar, they are very different. It may be tempting to use them interchangeably, but that is a bad idea.

Candle Safety

7.  Use battery operated window or tree candles.
8. If traditional candles are a must, be very careful about placement. Place them on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces, away from decorations, curtains, the Christmas tree and anything else that could catch fire.
9. Do not allow candles to burn when no one is in the room.